The Chairperson of the Jonglei Civil Society Network (JCSN) and Executive Director of INTREPID South Sudan, Bol Deng Bol, has expressed renewed hope for improved civic space in Jonglei State following a communique signed by political parties, security organizations, and civil society groups.
The communique, finalized last week in Bor after three days of discussions, aims to promote freedom of expression and ensure equitable protection for all political entities, civil society organizations (CSOs), and the media. The agreement seeks to guarantee that all parties and CSOs can operate without fear of intimidation or reprisal.
“I am very hopeful that we will make it different this time, although it depends on the consistency of the political class and the security organs. Whether all these things were just rhetoric or are true, this is what we are onto,” Bol stated. “Civil society will continue to monitor, and abide by the document that has been signed, and we will continue to put pressure so that the document is put into practice and the laws of the country are respected.”
Bol’s optimism comes after his recent return to Bor on the invitation of Governor Majoub Biel Turuk following his temporary exile due to safety concerns stemming from protests over salary arrears and the rising cost of living in June and July.
Photojournalist Abraham Aleu Anyieth was arbitrarily arrested and held for nearly a month without formal charges, accused of participating in the civil unrest in Bor.
The situation is further complicated by the July 3, 2024 amendment to the National Security Service (NSS) Act, allowing continued arrests and detention without warrant. The law has raised alarm among the international community, which fears it may reinforce longstanding abuses by the NSS.